Operators and drivers of cars, vans and other light goods vehicles are being urged to check up on new rules on transporting goods to the EU that are being introduced later this year.

From 21st May 2022, vans or other light goods vehicles based in Britain or Northern Ireland will need a standard international goods vehicle operator licence to transport goods in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The new rules will apply to vehicles between 2.5 tonnes and 3.5 tonnes, both cars and vans, towing trailers and other light goods vehicles that cross international borders and conduct activities for ‘hire or reward’.

You will not need a goods vehicle operator licence if you only use your vehicles in the UK or if you are transporting goods on a non-commercial basis.

The regulations cover the gross combination weight of the vehicle and trailer, so if the combined gross weight exceeds 2,500kg (2.5 tonnes) and the combination is used for hire and reward work in the EU, the new rules will apply, even if the vehicle without trailer has a gross vehicle weight of less than 2.5 tonnes.

It costs £257 to apply for a goods vehicle operator licence, with new applications being accepted from next month.

If your application is successful, you will be charged £401 for the licence. You’ll then need to pay a continuation fee every five years to keep your licence active.

The new rules, which follow a consultation last year, are part of the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. They include a requirement for operators to appoint a designated transport manager with a valid Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence qualification when applying for a licence.

The UK Government website encourages those who are unsure if the new regulations will affect them to 'get legal advice'.

You can read more on the new transport good regulation on the UK Government website.